Monthly Archives: May 2024

Entrepreneurs, listen up! Securing funding is a critical hurdle, and with so many businesses vying for investor attention, it’s crucial to stand out from the pack. Randomly sending emails to potential investors is almost guaranteed to get you nowhere fast. We’ve all been there. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your idea, built a groundbreaking product, and now it’s time to secure the funding to take it to the next level. But with a sea of amazing founders looking for investor attention, how do you make yourself stand out? I discuss this and building a passion-based business on my latest podcast episode “How to grab an investors attention.” With a world class global investor Sid Mofya who has seen more pitch decks, deployed more millions and received more emails than 99% of the population. Listen to the episode now.  

Here are 5 proven data-driven strategies to make your pitch irresistible to investors:

1. Target the Right Investors: Not all investors are created equal. Did you know that according to PitchBook, angel investors account for nearly 70% of early-stage seed funding? So, if you’re just starting out, prioritize angel funds with a history of investing in your sector. Research their portfolio companies and tailor your approach to resonate with their interests. If you really want to get an investor, take the time to research the right investor. For example, don’t send an investment pitch deck for an eCommerce business to someone who only focuses on agriculture.
2. Find Your Investor Champion: Investors are humans who have lives they live and value over their jobs like us all. Tapping into that aspect of the investor can get you further than you think. Instead of a generic email blast, personalize your outreach. Leverage LinkedIn and social media platforms they post on to identify the specific person within a firm who aligns with your niche. Also use those platforms to learn their interests and tailor your message accordingly. Remember, a genuine connection goes a long way. For example, if they invest in sports and your product is sport related connect, the dots for them. So they relate to you, the problem and your solution. Get more tips on this on the Founderholic podcast episode with Sid Mofya and I titled “How to grab an investors attention”.
3. Craft an Intriguing Subject Line: The first impression is key. A recent study by Yesware revealed that emails with personalized subject lines are 3x more likely to be opened. Intrigue them with a subject line that references a shared interest or a specific pain point your product solves. Take the information from #2 above and craft a subject line that is personal yet intriguing. Fore example a great subject line would be “A sports enthusiast solution to muscle cramps.” Or “We built a learning tool parents can’t get enough of”. As an investor who is into sports or who has children the likelihood of opening such emails is extremely high. Keep it short but connect the dots for the investor to get them to open the email. The subject line is golden. Oh, yeah… don’t put as a subject line “I have a billion-dollar idea” – no one is going to open that email. As much as you feel it speaks to investors that is a solid DELTE on sight.
4. Keep it Short and Sweet: Investors are busy. Make your email concise and impactful. Briefly introduce yourself, your company, and how your product disrupts the market. Focus on the “why” – explain what makes you unique and the problem you solve better than anyone else. This isn’t clickbait marketing so ensure your subject line ties into the email. It should be no more than 1 paragraph. I recommend 20 sentences max. The goal isn’t to tell them your life story the goal is to get on a call with the investor so you can capture them with your engaging idea. Emails don’t close deals “You” do.
5. Pitch Deck Power: Your pitch deck should be attached to your email. It is your visual elevator pitch so take your time building it out. Keep it focused and impactful. Aim for 8 slides max, highlighting the problem, your solution, competitive advantage, funding amount, and your rockstar team. Don’t clutter it with financial forecasts – leave them wanting more. This creates a conversation starter, prompting them to reach out and learn more about your exciting venture. Remember there are only 2 things that are unique about you to an investor. You and your idea. So make sure you both standout.

By implementing these targeted strategies, you’ll increase your chances of capturing investor attention and securing the funding you need to turn your dream into reality. If you want to hear way more ideas and deeper insights into everything you just read from an investor tune into the Founderholic.com podcast episode “How to grab an investors attention” . Stay blessed and remember  “You got this”

Stay blessed. 

Chris Folayan
Serial Entrepreneur and Passionate about helping people and founders